Tony had moved out. Last night. While she was sleeping.
Which meant Tula was single now. Unattached. Available.
Not that being available meant she was interested in him. Or that he had any right to pursue her after the pain he had caused her sister and their entire family. Or that the strange psychic connection they'd shared during the rescue meant what he wanted it to mean.
But still.
Tony had left. Esag was still processing what Tula had said when Wonder returned with the tray of food for him. He caught only the tail end of what she was saying.
"… to get Tula a phone. We need to bring her up to speed on modern living."
Modern living. Esag latched on to that phrase like a lifeline.
"I could help with that," he said.
Both sisters turned to look at him.
"With what?" Wonder asked.
"With teaching Tula about modern technology and the state of the world she is now a free citizen of. You work full time at the café, and you have Anandur to go home to in the evenings, while I have nothing but time."
It wasn't even an exaggeration.
His days consisted of carving figurines in his workshop and contemplating whether he should join the Guardian force or try to eke a modest living from his so-called art. He had no job, no mate, and he hadn't made any new friends since arriving at the village. Roven and Davuh were still his only friends, and they were busy exploring their possibilities.
Davuh was considering studying engineering, of all things, because he had visited William's domain and liked the vibe of the people working there. Roven was more inclined to check out the Guardian force and had started training just to get a feel for what was involved. That translated to Esag spending the majority of his time alone.
"That's very kind of you to offer," Wonder said. "But I just got my sister back, and it will be my pleasure to introduce her to modern life."
Esag held his breath, waiting for Tula to echo Wonder's sentiment, say something derisive about how he had the gall to even suggest that, or to take him up on his offer.
Not that he held out much hope for the latter.
Tula was looking at him with those intense blue eyes that saw too much. "I appreciate the offer, Esag," she said. "And I'm going to take you up on it."
Esag nearly fell out of his chair. Was she accepting his offer? Had he heard it right, or was he hallucinating?
She turned to her sister. "I don't want you to miss workdays because of me. You have a life here, and I want to be a part of it, but I don't want to take over your life. This is the second day of work you are missing because you are babysitting me."
"But I've just got you," Wonder protested.
Tula smiled and put a hand on her sister's arm. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here whenever you want to spend time with me. But I just prefer to burden Esag with my education." She cast him a haughty sidelong glance. "He owes both of us. I think that's a nice way for him to repay his debt."
Esag didn't care how Tula framed it as long as she was willing to spend time with him.
"Thank you." He dipped his head in mock supplication. "Thank you for allowing me to repent. That's very gracious of you."
Tula looked like she was stifling a smile. "I am turning over a new leaf, and I decided to strengthen my nonexistent grace and forgiveness muscles."
Wonder's head moved between them like she was watching a ping-pong match, which, in a way, this was.
"Then I would love to be your coach." Esag allowed himself to finally take a whole breath. "Grace and forgiveness happen tobe my specialties, along with incredible phone and tablet skills. Ready to start whenever you are."
"How about after I get my phone? You promised to show me your workshop, and I'd love to see it. After that, you can teach me how to use modern devices."
"Sounds like a plan to me," Esag said quickly, before Tula had a chance to change her mind or Wonder convinced her otherwise.
She glanced at Wonder. "How long will getting the phone take?"
